Bogue Chitto National Wildlife Refuge

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Bogue Chitto National Wildlife Refuge was established in 1981 and consists of about 37,600 acres of land uniquely situated through two states; Louisiana and Mississippi. The refuge is located northeast of Slidell, Louisiana and much of the refuge is accessible only through watercraft. However, there are many access points and many of the waterways sport high bluffs and large sand bars; allowing for picturesque views of the area!

The habitat of much of the refuge is bottomland hardwood forest, these areas filled with sweetgum, cypress-tupelo, and oak trees along with pristine unchannelized rivers and streams provides excellent habitat for a wide diversity of creatures. Among many of the plants and animals that call this area home, Bogue Chitto also offers a protected home for many threatened species including the ringed-sawback turtle, gopher tortoise, American alligator, heel-splitter mussel, and the gulf sturgeon.

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Recreational Opportunities

There is plenty to do at Bogue Chitto National Wildlife Refuge; this includes: fishing, hunting, wildlife observation and photography, canoeing, hiking, and primitive streamside camping! Hunting on the refuge includes gray squirrel, swamp rabbit, raccoon, woodcock, white-tailed deer, eastern wild turkey, and migratory waterfowl. Anglers can cast lines into the Freshwater riverine or oxbow lake in search of largemouth bass, spotted bass, crappie, catfish, and bluegill. Hiking and wildlife observation and photography are highly encouraged. Visitors can take the Boardwalk trail at the Pearl River turnaround on the Louisiana side of the refuge.

Seasons Accessible

The refuge is open year round 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, but is closed to hunting (except waterfowl) and camping when the water level at the Pearl River, LA station is at 15.5 feet or higher and much of the refuge is accessible only by boat.

Fees

An annual public use permit is required for all hunting and fishing on Bogue Chitto National Wildlife Refuge.